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Troubleshooting
This chapter provides some solutions to common notebook 
problems. Read this chapter to learn how to:

Troubleshoot typical hardware and software problems

Get telephone support

Use automated troubleshooting systems

Get tutoring and training
If the suggestions in this chapter do not correct the 
problem, see “Getting Help” on page 35 for more 
information about how to get help. 

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Safety guidelines
While troubleshooting your notebook, follow these safety guidelines:

Never remove the memory bay cover or hard drive while your notebook 
is turned on, while the battery is installed, and while the modem cable, 
network cable, and AC power adapter are connected.

Make sure that you are correctly grounded before accessing internal 
components. For more information about preventing damage from static 
electricity, see “Preventing static...

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First steps
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First steps
If you have problems with your notebook, try these things first:

Make sure that the AC power adapter is connected to your notebook and 
an AC outlet and that the AC outlet is supplying power.

If you use a power strip or surge protector, make sure that it is turned on.

If a peripheral device (such as a keyboard or mouse) does not work, make 
sure that all connections are secure.

Make sure that your hard drive is not full.

If an error message appears on the...

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Troubleshooting
CDs, DVDs, or DVD drives
Your notebook does not recognize a disc or the drive

The disc may not be seated correctly in the tray. When you place a disc 
on the tray, make sure that you press the disc firmly onto the spindle so 
the retainers hold the disc in place.

Make sure that the disc label is facing up, then try again.

Try a different disc. Occasionally discs are flawed and cannot be read by 
the drive.

Some music CDs have copy...

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Your notebook may be experiencing some temporary memory problems. 
Shut down and restart your notebook.

Reinstall the audio device drivers. For more information, see “Reinstalling 
device drivers” on page 201.
A DVD movie will not play

Make sure that the label or side you want to play is facing up, then try 
again.

Shut down and restart your notebook.

Clean the DVD. For more information, see “Cleaning CDs or DVDs” on 
page 228.

DVD discs and drives contain...

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Cleaning CDs or DVDs
Wipe from the center to the edge, not around in a circle, using a product made 
especially for the purpose.
Device installation
You have computer problems after adding a new device
Sometimes a new device, such as a PC Card, can cause a system resource (IRQ) 
conflict. Check IRQ usage to determine if there is an IRQ conflict.
To check IRQ usage:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. 
If your Control...

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To free IRQ resources for the new device:
1In the Device Manager window, check the device list for a resource 
conflict. A resource conflict appears as a black exclamation point in 
a yellow circle.
2Remove the device you are trying to install, then determine which 
one of the existing devices or ports you can disable.
3Right-click the device or port you want to disable, then click Disable. 
The device or port is disabled.
Diskette drive
The diskette drive is not...

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Make sure that the diskette you are using is IBM-compatible.
The diskette drive status indicator is lit continuously

Remove the diskette from the drive. If the indicator stays on, try restarting 
your notebook.
Display
The screen is too dark

Adjust the brightness using the system keys. For more information, see 
“System key combinations” on page 26.
The screen resolution is not correct

Change the screen resolution from the Display Properties dialog box....

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File management
A file was accidentally deleted
If a file was deleted at a DOS prompt or in Windows while holding down the 
S
HIFT key, the file cannot be restored.
To restore deleted files:
1Double-click the Recycle Bin icon.
2Right-click the file you want to restore, then click Restore. The file 
is restored to the place where it was originally deleted from.
If the Recycle Bin was emptied before you tried to restore a file, the 
file cannot be restored.
Hard drive...